What better way to enjoy a lazy afternoon than to board a privately chartered motor boat? Meander through the waters of Newport Harbor and inland Narragansett Bay for a glimpse of the elegant and graceful lighthouses used for guiding mariners for centuries. As you motor past unknown islands which have served as countless venues in the times of yore, the visual beauty creates a lost-in-time image in your mind.

Take pleasure in appetizers and cocktails aboard a charted motor craft as you pass the islands and lighthouses or delight in the personalized approach with an unhurried cruise hearing history and folklore while having “High Tea on the Sea,” sipping hot tea or Mint Juleps and savoring the taste of dainty cakes and smoked salmon sandwiches.

Narragansett Bay was created over 15,000 years ago during the time of the end of the Ice Age. Gigantic glaciers ground and crushed existing rock, creating gouges. As the glaciers melted and moved north, the oceans filled the many basins. Today, the average depth of the bay is 25’ but in some areas such as Castle Hill and the shipping channel reaches a depth of over 100’. Known as the host to numerous Regattas, race competitions and championships the bay is filled with color and craft during the summer season.

There are over 30 islands in the bay. Aquidneck Island is the largest, measuring 18 miles by 16.5 miles. The island is made up of Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth. It was named by the Native American Indians as “Isle of Peace.” In 1638 Europeans purchased the island from the Indians settled Newport. The community has flourished as a commercial port and summer resort.

Newport Harbor on a summer day paints the seascape with pleasure craft darting in and out of coves, maneuvering each other and showcasing a multi-colored display of sails and craft. The harbor houses some of the finest mega yachts of all times. Newport now one of the top ten tourist destinations and famous for its American Cup Races, 12 Meter Boats, Regattas and Tall Ships along with stately Mansions, Museums, Tennis Hall of Fame and luring beaches.

Rose Island A tiny island in Newport Harbor previously of critical importance for defense in Narragansett Bay during the 18th century. After the Revolutionary War, fortifications were constructed (1798) and known as Fort Hamilton. In 1879, a lighthouse was constructed on the island but fell to ruins. Civilian activists groups known as “Friends of Rose Island Lighthouse,” refurbished the composition and it is now a functioning museum and Innkeeper Hotel with its house reserved a few years in advance.

Gould Island Purchased by Thomas Gould in 1650. The Navy acquired the island in 1919. The land was to be used as an expansion to Goat Island Torpedo Station. At present, half of Gould Island is controlled by Navy and the other half as a Bird Sanctuary.

Coasters Harbor Island This small island was sold to settlers in 1654. By 1822 a large stone building was constructed and used as an insane asylum. In 1884 the island was transferred to the US Navy and used for the purpose of training. The stone building was converted to the prestigious Naval War College and is used as such to this date.

Goat Island is a centrally located island in Newport Harbor and was called Nomsussmuc and purchased from the Native American Indians by settlers in 1658. Early Colonists used the island mainly as a grazing land for their goats, consequently Goat Island. In 1700 Fort Anne was built. The island was transferred to the US Navy in 1869 and soon became the Naval Torpedo Station. The Torpedo Station manufactured over 80% of the nation’s torpedoes and continued to operate thorough out WW II and up to 1951. In 1960, the City of Newport sold the island to private developers. Twenty three pirates were arrested, tried and hanged, in1723 and buried in the depths of the sea. Newport Light is located on the northern side of Goat Island. Today a marina, condominiums, hotel, waterfront cottages and a Private club decorate its land.

Jamestown is the second largest island in Narragansett Bay and was called Conanicut by the Indians. In 1657 it was sold to nearby settlers. The township of Jamestown, named in honor of England’s King James was incorporated in 1678 and boasts the oldest standing beacon first established as a watch tower. Today’s Lighthouse was built in 1749. It is said that the notorious Pirate, Captain Kidd buried a treasure some where on the island as related by Edgar Bacon in his 1904 “Look on Narragansett Bay.”

Cruise past Beavertail Light 3rd lighthouse built in Colonial America in 1749 and head towards Newport Harbor for a return trip. Motor past Castle Hill Light built in 1890 and located at the southern portion of Newport, viewing the plush landscaped vistas off Ocean Drive.

Fort Adams construction was started in 1824. It took nearly 30 years to build the Fort. It was designed for mounting over 468 Cannons and to be used as a Wartime Garrison for 2400 men. The Fort was used as a protection of Newport Harbor from the East. Named in honor of President John Adams, the Fortress was completed in 1857. Although the fort was never tested, it was painstaking built to be an advanced example of Military engineering.. Short lived, the fort became outmoded and was left to worsen over the years. This national historic landmark is presently being operated by the State of Rhode Island Park Authority and is undergoing extensive renovations. It is open for tours of its perimeter buildings and tunnels and a site of many outdoor activities, such as the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals.

Ida Lewis Yacht Club inside Newport Harbor is home to Ida Lewis Rock Light established in 1854, named for its famous female lighthouse keeper.

As we finished our dainty sandwiches and tea our tour ended too soon as we marveled in the beauty and history Newport has to offer and wanted more!

Photographs by Linda S. Manning

About the author, Linda S. Manning: Linda S. Manning is the definition of a take charge person, continually seeking new avenues to expand her creative talents. In addition to a quarter of a century as a real estate broker, former elementary teacher and current Bed and Breakfast owner in Newport, Linda is also a licensed Captain, PADI Dive certified, artist and has written travel articles and short stories about life in Newport and beyond. A former runner up for Miss Rhode Island World, she was born in Providence has resided in Newport for 8 years with her husband Paul.

The Kitt Shepley House 23 Division Street Newport, RI 02840 877.362.8664 Kitt1932@aol.com www.kittshepleyhouse.com

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